Al-Hilal face Benzema stand-off as demands test Inzaghi's plan | OneFootball

Karim Benzema's stand-off with Al-Hilal's hierarchy and Simone Inzaghi has hardened before the summer window closes, according to Goal.com.

He has not met expectations on the pitch, yet the dispute centres on how he perceives his status inside the club.

Benzema is understood to be unhappy with captaincy awarded by seniority, believing his pedigree warrants a bigger role, and has compared his treatment with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.

Inzaghi wants him fixed in the box and focused on finishing, whereas at Real Madrid he roamed, dropped deep and helped create.

Those differences have opened a rift that looks close to a dead end unless someone gives ground.

Benzema has asked his agent to seek options abroad, signalling he could leave if the right project appears.

The club are not desperate to keep him, and would only sell for a fee that protects their interests, with no qualifying bid yet.

Al-Hilal have attacking depth and have reshaped the foreign contingent to fit Inzaghi's plan, so retention may not be essential if it conflicts.

Losing him without a top-class replacement could still create problems during a long campaign across domestic and continental competitions.

For now every option remains open, with Benzema and Inzaghi holding firm and the board waiting for the right offer.

A decisive call is looming, either reconcile the parties and end the row, or risk losing one of their biggest signings in years.

Source: Goal.com